Commission approves front-yard garage variance for lakeside lot amid neighbor objections

The Stevens County Planning Commission approved a variance request allowing a detached accessory structure within the front yard at 146 Overlook Drive, a lakeside lot where the house sits far back toward the water. Applicant Dean Collins told the commission the lot design and proximity to Army Corps lines left limited buildable area and that other nearby properties already have similar front-yard accessory structures. Several adjacent neighbors opposed the request at the public hearing, saying they had not seen detailed plans and expressing concerns about scale, materials and view obstruction. Neighbor Joe Roach described the proposed structure as “a 30 by 54, 1,600 square feet, 3 car garage” and asked the applicant to present plans to the homeowners association. Michael White, a nearby property owner of 41 years, said the metal garage would “probably devalue our neighborhood.” The applicant said he selected finishes that will match the house and that the building will be used for private car storage and tinkering, not commercial activity. Commissioners and staff clarified that private covenants are enforced by neighbors and not the county, and that a conditional variance decision is based on the county’s land-use standards. After hearing testimony from multiple neighbors and the applicant, the commission voted to approve the variance. The decision was recorded in the meeting minutes and will be implemented according to standard county procedures for permitted variances.